Tabs

Saturday, February 6, 2010

I have never gone to the movies by myself. I used to feel sorry for the single people who sat alone in the theatre, with no partner’s hand to hold or ear to whisper into. I never wanted to be that sad, lonely person.

But going to the movies is a different experience than it used to be. Now, it either requires a baby-sitter and being the jerk who doesn't turn off her cell phone just in case that baby-sitter calls, or it involves kids’ snack packs and a half a dozen trips to the restroom.

Now that I'm a parent, I realize I may have misjudged those solitary movie-goers. What I once considered loneliness might have been exactly the opposite: enjoyment of one's own company. Maybe they’re like me, just moms who need some alone time (and want to see a cheesy tear-jerker that most husbands wouldn’t agree to watch in a million years.)

So today I'm going to separate myself from my usual movie partners and see "Dear John" by myself. Now pass the popcorn with extra butter and a big fat Diet Pepsi.

I have found my new favorite guilty pleasure! I had no idea how wonderfully self-indulgent it is to go to the movies alone. I didn’t want the movie to end.

I’m not saying it’s better than snuggling up next to my husband and squeezing his hand as if to say, “Hey, that was total foreshadowing…did you catch it too?” And I can’t say it’s better than watching my children’s eyes widen with rapt fascination or hearing their little giggles as they exclaim, “Mommy, did you see that?!” But it was different. Different in a good way.

“Dear John” was all I wanted it to be. I smiled. I cried. I held my breath. I understood. Not to mention the fact that Channing Tatum is a fine, fine actor. I can’t say it was as amazing as “The Notebook,” but really, what is?

IF ONLY LIFE WERE THIS SIMPLE

This is the world's best responsibility chart for a 5-year-old. If I had known that simple magnets would entice Big C to consistently carry out chores like setting the dinner table and putting his clothes in the hamper, I would have bought this thing a long time ago.

I'm a writer, a mom of two, a girlfriend, a former military spouse, a runner and swimmer who can't live without yoga and meditation, and an adventure seeker. Hang out with me for a little while. Read more!